jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
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Post by jerryk on Feb 24, 2022 12:31:36 GMT -5
Anyone put autopilot on their boat themselves? I already miss not having it on my boat after having it on a prior boat that had an inboard engine. Now I have dual 200 Yammies and the factory optional 12V DC power assist steering on my boat and I'm not sure about the best system to get that will easily interface to my Raymarine Axiom MFDs and the 12V DC Uflex power assist steering (which I believe is compatible with autopilots, but I don't know how it is hooked up).
Looking for pointers on where to install, how to interface to the Uflex, and a recommendation on should I do this job myself or contract it to the boat dealer?
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Post by hookedup on Feb 24, 2022 13:30:59 GMT -5
I installed a Raymarine autopilot on my previous boat and a Simrad on the Sailfish. Wish I'd installed a Raymarine. The issues I had installing the autopilot (and they all install about the same) were: Uflex hose is not the same as most hydraulic steering hoses and my steering hub was so tight against the back of the console there was no room to install a tee. I also ended up relocating the precision compass after the original install, but I'd say that was my fault in locating it too close to other electronics initially. To overcome the hose differences I took a piece of Seastar hose I used for the autopilot and a piece of the Uflex hose to a shop specializing in hydraulics and got the the tees I needed for port and starboard hoses. To over come the hub problem I installed the tees mid-ship after cutting a hole. I wrapped the tees before dropping them down so they wouldn't rattle around.
I did find room to install the filler hose in the hub and ran that back to the autopilot pump.
I do have a problem of leaks where the hoses attach to the pump. This is somewhat common as the pump causes vibration and the hose will leak. It's not a serious leak at all but I plan to replace the fittings on the pump, or swap out the pump altogether. I didn't have this problem on my Raymarine autopilot, but had it since day one with the Simrad pump. I end up adding a pint of hydro fluid every couple of months when I use the boat a lot, but probably less than 1/2 quart a year.
Hope this helps
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Post by messmaker on Feb 16, 2023 16:20:52 GMT -5
On my 2660wac I have a pair of axioms and Raymarine ev200 autopilot and love it. I had to replace the seastar power assist pump because it was shot when I bough the boat so I just bought the power assist + autopilot pump which is all one unit. Everything works great and I am very pleased with it.
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